Presov: Pope Francis's Visit among Most Significant Events in City's History

Presov, April 22 (TASR) - The city of Presov received the news of Pope Francis's passing with deep sorrow, stating on its website that the memories of his remarkable visit on September 14, 2021 and the powerful messages that he left behind will remain with the city forever, marking one of the most significant events in its history. Then-mayor of Presov Andrea Turcanova personally presented Pope Francis with a gift from the city, a linden wood-carving depicting St Joseph as a carpenter at work. St Joseph is the saint patron of Presov, and the year 2021 was declared by Pope Francis as the special Year of St Joseph, marking the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Virgin Mary's spouse as patron of the entire Church. Pope Francis was the second pope to visit Slovakia, and also the second to visit the city of Presov, following John Paul II, who went there in 1995. During his four-day stay in Slovakia (September 12–15, 2021), Pope Francis met the country's top state and church officials, representatives of religious communities, the Jewish and Roma communities and young people. He visited Bratislava, Presov, Kosice and Sastin (Trnava region) during his 34th apostolic journey. lin/df